The Janice Gantt Kissner Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of her service to the community and sisterhood. 

Janice G Kissner began her Zeta journey at Cheyney University in Fall of 1965 and nine years later became the 17th International President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated serving from 1974-1980. She held a Graduate Degree from Penn State University and a Honorary Doctorate from Morris Brown College. It was during her administration that Zeta’s national slogan, “A Community Conscious, Action Oriented Organization” was adopted.  

By profession, Janice G Kissner was the Director of Community Services for the March of Dimes on the East Coast before relocating to the Midwest to continue her sharing and caring principles. In 1986, Jan, affectionately known as “Grand Jan” relocated to the Chicagoland area and worked alongside thirty-four other professional women to re-charter the very prestigious Zeta Zeta Graduate Chapter in Dolton, Illinois on October 3, 1987.

Janice Gantt Kissner was a Charter Member of Zeta Zeta Graduate Chapter, Dolton, Illinois and remained a faithful member throughout her lifetime.

The Karen Lynne Harris Memorial Scholarship was established in 1999 in memory of her service to the community and sisterhood.  Karen was initiated as a member of the sorority on April 16, 1977. She was a charter member of Zeta Zeta and held various positions in the chapter. She served multiple terms as the chapter’s Treasurer and was the chapter’s first Historian. Karen possessed a strong financial background, was very analytical and extremely good with money management and developing budgets. Karen majored in Business Administration and attended Illinois State University.

The Jynetta Thornton Memorial Scholarship was established in 2019 in memory of her service to the community and sisterhood.   Jynetta was a dedicated member of Zeta Zeta Chapter since joining the organization in 1997. She held various positions in the chapter and served four years as the chapter’s Scholarship Chair. Jynetta loved children, was passionate about Scholarship and worked hard to ensure every event was successful. Jynetta attended Virginia Union University and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. She later attended Governors State University and earned a Master of Science Degree, also in Education.

The Crystal Ward-Ross Memorial Scholarship was established in 2008 in memory of her service to the community and sisterhood. Crystal was an active and staunch supporter of education. She promoted education to any young person she met through various community service projects and activities that the sorority held annually. She also gave generously of her time and finances to assist those young people who needed assistance to begin, continue or complete their education. Crystal received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rush University and her Master of Science, Nursing from Governors State University.